obert H. Smith School of Business doctoral students, who conduct research and often teach in addition to completing course work, now have new spaces to serve them well: the Dr. and Mrs. William A. Longbrake Ph.D. Suite and the Longbrake Ph.D. program director’s office.
“When I give a gift to an organization, it’s because I have a connection,” says Longbrake Ph.D ’76. “It’s an alive and current connection. I am not just putting my name on a building; I am building a relationship.”
His business school connection has become strong over the past few years. Longbrake partnered with faculty on research projects and spoke to students at graduation before making his gift of $1.5 million.
“I feel it is important to connect the academic side of the school with real-time business. It is exciting to engage with faculty and students in their research, to share the knowledge I’ve accrued over the years in the rough-and-tumble world of business,” he says.
Noting that the school’s future direction is “well-crafted,” Longbrake encourages other alumni to get enthusiastic.
“I have a real personal commitment to what the school is trying to achieve, and I think it is important for everyone to give back according to their means and capabilities,” he says. “We’re supporting the difference the school made in our lives and will make in the lives of current students.”
